The Emir has signed into law tough new rules regarding treatment of the Qatari flag, the theme of this year’s National Day, QNA reports.

The legislation, which the Advisory Council approved earlier this month, requires those who see the flag being raised or lowered to “stop immediately,” stand at attention and greet it.

Those caught “showing disrespect” to Qatar’s flag, which has been named “Al Addaam,” or maroon in Arabic, could face six months to three years in jail or a QR100,000 to QR200,000 fine, Al Arab states.

Other flag no-nos:

• Changing the flag or adding photographs, text or designs to it;
• Using it as a commercial trademark and in advertisements without formal permission from authorities;
• Displaying a damaged or discolored flag.

Old, worn-out flags must be burned to ashes before being disposed of, and protocols for cleaning the flag have also been outlined.

Read the full legislation, which includes provisions for government buildings and Qatari embassies overseas, in Al Arab here (with pictures) or the Peninsula’s partial translation here.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo courtesy of Qatar National Day